Spending time in Colorado’s beautiful wilderness is done best with a backpack strapped to your back. The outdoors is for everybody, and with a few simple hacks, you can spend time backpacking in jaw-dropping locations. If you are new to Colorado or looking to refresh your camping preparation skills, here are some tips to optimize your next wilderness experience, in addition to some ideal camping spots:
Camping Tips
Plan Your Trip
Research the area in which you want to backpack, and determine the length and difficulty level of the trail. Consider factors such as elevation gain, distance, and weather conditions so you can pack and plan accordingly.
Check Permits and Regulations
Some areas in Colorado require permits for overnight backpacking. Be sure to check whether any permits or reservations are needed for the specific trail you plan to hike. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and Leave No Trace principles. If you can, plan some trips for the next backpacking season and apply for permits ahead of time so you can tackle bucket list trails.
Pack Appropriate Gear
Colorado’s weather can be very unpredictable, so pack layers to accommodate temperature changes. Bring a good-quality backpack, a lightweight tent, a sleeping bag suitable for the season, a sleeping pad, cooking equipment, and essential supplies such as a first aid kit, water filter, and navigation tools.
Be prepared for varying temperatures and conditions, as Colorado’s weather can change rapidly, especially in the summertime. Bring rain gear, warm clothing, and a waterproof pack cover to protect your gear from rain or snow. Check the weather forecast before you head out and be prepared for sudden temperature drops.
Hydrate and Acclimate
Stay hydrated by carrying enough water or by using a water filter or purifier to treat water retrieved from natural sources. Research the availability of water sources along your route and plan accordingly.
Colorado’s high altitude can pose a challenge, especially if you’re not accustomed to it. Give yourself time to acclimate before starting a strenuous hike to prevent altitude sickness. Start with easier hikes and gradually increase the difficulty.
Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles
Respect the natural environment by minimizing your impact. Pack out all trash, avoid damaging vegetation, stay on designated trails, and camp in designated areas. Leave nature as you found it for others to enjoy. Additionally, LNT asks that hikers respect wildlife and natural features so the area and its critters stay healthy and vibrant.
Camping Destinations
Rocky Mountain National Park
This iconic national park features awe-inspiring landscapes, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. It offers numerous trails for backpacking, including the popular Longs Peak and Continental Divide routes. Permits are required, so check ahead of time for available options!
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
Located near Aspen, Colorado, this wilderness area is known for its picturesque Maroon Bells, towering peaks, and pristine lakes. Trails like the Four Pass Loop and Conundrum Hot Springs offer challenging and rewarding backpacking experiences.
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Situated near Boulder, the Indian Peaks Wilderness showcases breathtaking alpine scenery, wildflowers, and alpine lakes. Backpackers can explore trails like the High Lonesome Loop and Isabelle Glacier for a memorable adventure.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
This unique park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, nestled against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Backpackers can explore the dunes and nearby trails, such as the Mosca Pass Loop or the Sand Ramp Trail. Lay your pad out right on the sand and sleep under a blanket of stars.
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Located in the stunning Sawatch Range, this wilderness area is known for its rugged peaks and stunning vistas. The Colorado Trail passes through the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, offering backpackers an opportunity for a long-distance trek on this noteworthy long-distance trail.
Weminuche Wilderness
As Colorado’s largest wilderness area, Weminuche offers vast expanses of pristine wilderness. It boasts stunning peaks, alpine meadows, and numerous lakes. The Chicago Basin, Vestal Basin, and Animas River Trail are popular backpacking routes here.
The Independence community knows how important it is to cultivate a connection between humans and the environment. Our neighborhood incorporates plenty of open space, trails, and parks to do just that. Plan a trip from our convenient location and escape to the mountains for a little rest and relaxation. Contact us to learn more.
Summertime in Colorado invites residents to get outside and explore the vast and varied landscapes that make our state so special. For Independence community residents, ideal campsites and secluded spots are less than a two-hour drive away. Here are some off the beaten path destinations to pitch your tent, get your glamp on, or take the RV out for a warm-up lap.
Treehouse Magic
As its name implies, this gorgeous treehouse in Elizabeth, Colorado (roughly 10 miles from Independence) is equal parts comfortable and magical. Nestled high in a Ponderosa Pine, Treehouse Magic invites nature lovers to get some shut-eye in the comforting branches of a tree, take in sweeping views of the rolling hills, and spy snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
Approximately 40 miles from Independence, this family-friendly dispersed camping area spans a wide area of varied terrain. Rocky outcroppings peak out of tall, thick pine forests creating plenty of great spots to set up your tent for a night or two. Recreating in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests is fun for adventurers of all ages. Bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots and set out to explore this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for elk, mule deer, and more wildlife.
Funk Road Camping
Pitch your tent or park your van, trailer, or RV on this picturesque patch of soil about 50 miles away from Independence. Just seven miles away from the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Funk Road Camping treats guests to unobstructed panoramic views and quiet solitude underneath a blanket of stars. Spend a weekend biking around Colorado’s rolling prairies or hanging outside in your favorite camp chair.
Rampart Reserve
Roughly 70 miles from Independence, a host of furry friends sets this campground apart from the rest. Stay with a friendly herd of Alpacas in comfortable accommodations away from the frenzy of city life. Backing up to Pike’s National Forest, Rampart Reserve’s idyllic location offers ample opportunities for hiking enthusiasts to make the most out of their stay by exploring miles of trails.
Lone Duck Campground
This family-owned and operated campground has a little something for everyone. From tent sites to RV hook-ups, regardless of your rig, Lone Duck Campground (about 70 miles from Independence) is ready to host. Nestled just outside of Colorado Springs at the base of the Rockies, this spot offers quick access for campers interested in hiking, climbing, running, or rafting. For a last-minute getaway to the mountains, check out this convenient campground.
Life in Elizabeth, Colorado treats residents to the best of both worlds: the gentle rolling grasslands east of Denver allow a quiet reprieve from the city, while the Rocky Mountains only a short drive to the west guarantee adventure. Independence community strives to create a harmonious balance between people and the natural environment, incorporating ample open space and trails throughout the neighborhood. Contact us today to learn more.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Elbert County, Colorado, offers an exhilarating and enchanting experience for horseback riding enthusiasts. With its vast expanses of rugged grasslands, pine forests, and wildflower-speckled meadows, Elbert County and the surrounding area offer prime locations for getting off the beaten path with a four-legged friend. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for more resources or a novice seeking a memorable outdoor escapade, Elbert County’s equestrian community is vast and varied, like the breathtaking landscapes you’ll ride through.
Whispering Spirit Ranch
This 10-acre farm is home to gentle and experienced trail horses ready to take riders of all skill levels out into the woods for a great afternoon. Follow behind experienced horseback riders while learning a few new skills from the saddle. Trail rides are a great way to build confidence on a horse and a fantastic way to explore a diverse swath of land. Check out Whispering Spirit Ranch here. Located in Peyton, CO, this ranch is approximately a 40-minute drive from Independence.
Stable Strides
This nonprofit partners with people and horses for adaptive Hippotherapy that includes working with and riding horses. Adaptive riding allows people of many different physical abilities to experience the joy of horseback riding. The experienced team behind Stable Strides is PATH certified and focuses on teaching riding skills that support individual riders’ recreational, social, and physical goals. If you’re looking for a hippotherapy program close to home, this option is located in Elbert (about 20 minutes from Elizabeth).
Old Glory Performance Horses
Ranch rides, barrel racing, and dressage all happen at Old Glory Performance Horses. The skilled instructor behind this equine outfit has decades of knowledge and skills in creating collaborative and healthy relationships between people and horses. Horseback riding lessons are available to riders of all skill levels at an affordable price for those looking to gain some equine knowledge before heading out for a ride. This farm is less than a 30-minute drive from our neighborhood, offering convenience for those interested in lessons.
Evenstar Farms
Evenstar Farms is just 25 minutes from Elizabeth and is a facility worth learning about for those enmeshed in everything equine. This family-owned operation works as a retirement and care facility for horses as they move through various phases of life. The skilled team behind Evenstar Farms teaches clinics, boards horses, and leads riding programs year-round. Learn more about them here.
N Diamond K Ranch
This local ranch offers horseback riding experiences for people of all ages and abilities. They’ll even bring a set of horses to your private event if you really want to wow party-goers. Give N Diamond K Ranch a call to learn more about the types of horseback riding services they offer to find an experience that best fits your needs. Located in Elbert, N Diamond K Ranch is about a 40-minute drive from Independence.
The Independence community is nestled in the heart of Elbert County, offering residents and their out-of-town guests endless opportunities to take in the adventurous spirit of America’s West. Make memories, try something new, and see Colorado like its early inhabitants did, from the saddle of a horse. Contact us to learn more about our welcoming community.
For Elbert County residents, the week-long, free-admission County Fair at the Fairgrounds is a highlight of the summer. This year will be no different as fans of the rodeo, 4-H Club, and Colorado’s agricultural communities flock to our corner of paradise. Each day boasts a bevy of exciting activities for spectators and participants. Here are just a few of the wonderful events we’re looking forward to this year:
Saturday, July 29th
Mountain States Highland Cattle Show
When: 10 am
Where: Horse Pavilion
If you’ve never seen Highland cattle in person, you won’t want to miss this. These shaggy, long-haired cattle are known for their rich milk, protective mothering, and meat that is markedly lower in cholesterol than other cattle. They are from the rugged Scottish highlands and live very well in Colorado’s harsh conditions. Check out this cattle show to learn more and purchase high-quality products from Highland Cattle ranchers.
Sunday, July 30th
4-H Rocketry Fly Day
When: 7 am
Where: Far East Fairgrounds Pasture
4-H Club isn’t just about raising livestock and learning modern land-management methods; students also learn how to build and fly their own rockets. After learning about rocket building and the science of propulsion, these 4-H club members build their own rockets and gather at the County Fair to send them flying. Pack a thermos of coffee and a lawn chair for front-row seats at this exciting showdown.
4-H Ranch Horse and Horse Roping
When: 8 am
Where: Both main arenas
These events showcase the discipline and commitment that 4-H students of all ages have dedicated to their horses and the skills it takes to raise, train, and manage horses. Watch riders gallop around the arena, rope cattle, and work in perfect harmony with their animal.
Monday – Wednesday, July 31st – August 2nd
The majority of events taking place in the middle of the week are specific to producers, 4-H club members, and vendors. Animal check-ins and weigh-ins will occur throughout the day. Swine, beef, poultry, and rabbit shows will occur in tandem and are open to the public. Check out the schedule of events here.
Thursday, August 3rd
Master Gardeners Education and Silent Auction
When: 8 – 6 pm
Where: Ag Building Meeting Room
Listen to Colorado’s Master Gardeners discuss current challenges related to climate, soil, and water access throughout the state and propose creative solutions that hobby gardeners can apply to their own patch of earth. Bid on an item during the silent auction or come with gardening-related questions you’d like professional answers to.
Friday, August 4th
Save the Cowboys Pancake Breakfast
When: 8 – 10 am
Where: Behind the main arena grandstands
This free breakfast is a great way to meet other locals and rub elbows with rodeo cowboys and cowgirls. Load up on tasty pancakes to fuel the rest of your day at the Elbert County Fair.
Saturday, August 5th
Master Gardener Special Presentation: Special Bees + Pollinators
When: 9:30 am
Where: Ag Building
This free seminar teaches everything one would want to know about honey bees. Learn about bee colonies, hive health, and the crucial place honey bees hold in produce production. Be sure to snag some free local honey at the end!
Saturday at the County Fair is the Core Energy Family Free Day. Bring everyone out for a day of delicious treats, fun shows, and exciting exhibits. Start the morning by visiting the kid-friendly “Touch a Truck” activity, grab some BBQ around 11 am, then cheer on cowboys and cowgirls during the traditional rodeo in the main arena. The afternoon continues with “Mutton Bustin”, horse-pull competitions, and a free concert by country music legend Matt Stell.
Looking to bid on livestock? The Junior Market Sale kicks off at 1 pm, complete with a live auctioneer and a paddle call. There’s never a dull moment at the Elbert County Fair!
Sunday, August 6th
Start the morning at Cowboy Church, then stop off at the Kiddie Corral for slides, a corn pit, trains, and more! A parade and an ice cream eating contest take place mid-day adjacent to the fair’s final rodeo, which concludes this annual event in true Western style.
The Elbert County Fair reminds local residents how much we all rely on the agricultural community in Eastern Colorado. Let’s celebrate their dedication and hard work to the land, its animals, and its people this July and August.
The Independence Community knows how important it is to cultivate a connection between one another and the environment. Our neighborhood incorporates plenty of open space, trails, and parks to do just that. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy living in Elizabeth, Colorado, where time moves slowly and people appreciate the stuff that makes life worth living – community, mother nature, and time spent with each other. Contact us to learn more.
The 2023 Elbert County Fair is gearing up for a full week of exciting activities, including rodeo competitions, kids’ carnival games, pancake breakfasts, and stock shows. You won’t want to miss it!
Rodeo is a legendary sport that has been around the Western region of the United States since the 16th century. Range cowboys made a living driving cattle to markets in the East and had to develop a wide array of skills to accomplish this arduous task. These skills eventually gave way to competitive contests between range cowboys from all over the region, and thus, formal “Rodeos” were born. Now, it’s a professional sport for men and women that underscores the importance of connection between people, animals, and the land. Here are some upcoming rodeos around Elbert County you won’t want to miss.
Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo
When: 6/1 – 4
Where: Casey Jones Park
The 36th annual Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo is set to kick off the summer at Casey Jones Park. Five events will take place over the course of the long weekend. This rodeo is fun for the whole family and has long been a treasured community-focused tradition. Also known as the “Rodeo in the Pines”, this event has a real Western vibe, complete with BBQ, dances, merchandise, and more.
Cowboy Up in Kiowa
When: 6/23 – 24
Where: Elbert County Fairgrounds
This short rodeo festival in Elbert County is jam packed with classic events, including the saddle bronc, team roping, and barrel racing. Cowboy Up also offers some unique activities – like mutton busting – that give the little ones a taste of rodeo life. This rodeo prioritizes the welfare of its animals and athletes, and offers plenty of educational information for guests looking to learn more about all aspects of this sport. Enjoy entertainment while learning more about and celebrating the history of the west.
Elbert County Fair
When: 7/29 – 8/6
Where: Elbert County Fairgrounds
The Elbert County Fairgrounds sees a lot of action throughout the summer. This week-long fair brings more than rodeo to local residents – the Elbert County Fair features 4 H competitions, livestock sales, and mini bull riding for kiddos. Watch sport shooting and archery competitions before heading over to the Snack Shack to fuel up with delicious eats and rub elbows with rodeo cowboys and girls.
Elbert County offers ample opportunities for children and adults to get involved in rodeo, horseback riding, or agriculture. The Independence community is close to dozens of horseback riding centers, such as Faithfield Equestrian. Additionally, there are so many nearby opportunities that encourage students to get involved with 4 H Clubs, archery clubs, and agricultural programs at Elizabeth High School. Living in theIndependence neighborhood offers people the opportunity to create a different way of life that is linked to our state’s history and natural beauty. Contact us to learn more.
Spring has finally arrived, and summer is hot on its heels, which means we get to pack up our picnic baskets and enjoy dining with loved ones outside. Planning on spending summer weekends at a nearby reservoir or weekday evenings catching the sunset sprawled on a blanket at the park? These creative and easy recipes make dining outdoors simple, fun, and healthy.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Colorado’s Farmers Markets are bursting with fresh produce, making this recipe simple, fresh, and seasonal. Cut up your favorite veggies (such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, etc.) and thread them onto skewers. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Grill until charred and tender. For a twist on the classic veggie skewer, try this recipe, which incorporates a tangy chimichurri sauce.
Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate Seeds
An ancient grain, quinoa is a super food that goes with just about anything. Roast your favorite veggies, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, and toss them with cooked quinoa, chopped kale, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and a lemon-tahini dressing. Make this recipe ahead of time for a fantastic, filling, and healthy side to go along with picnic mains. Swap out different ancient grains to try instead, like farro, amaranth, or barley, as the base of this dish.
Watermelon Feta Salad
This popular picnic fruit salad is turned on its head with the addition of arugula or spicy greens. The sweetness of the watermelon cuts the tanginess of the feta while the balsamic glaze pairs beautifully with each element. Cube watermelon and toss with crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and a balsamic glaze. Serve over your favorite farm-fresh salad greens. Get the recipe here.
Mediterranean Wrap
This main dish makes a great go-to picnic lunch because it’s simple and easy to pack. Spread hummus on a warm whole-wheat wrap and add sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, and roasted red pepper. To make this Mediterranean wrap a little more gourmet, consult Chelsea’s Messy Apron, which adds sun dried tomatoes, preserved lemon, and greek olives. If you’re craving a little more protein, add pre-made falafel and drizzle with tzatziki. Roll up and enjoy!
Orecchiette with Pesto Dressing
Scratch-make your very own orecchiette with The Pasta Project to create the freshest pasta salad you’ve ever tasted. Once cooked, toss the “little ears” with pesto, preserved lemon, sun dried tomatoes, chopped up cured meats, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. Check out the dozens of pasta salad variations and find a recipe that speaks to you, here.
Berry Tartlets
Chocolate chip cookies are always a hit, but have you ever considered bringing a fresh berry tart to the picnic? Snag some mini tart shells and fresh berries next time you’re at the store and use pantry ingredients for the rest of this simple yet decadent dessert. This recipe instructs home chefs to fill mini tart shells with a mixture of cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Top with fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries) and serve chilled. Whip up fresh cream to top the whole thing off.
These fresh takes on classic picnic recipes may just compel you and your pals to schedule weekly parkside rendezvous. Make them ahead of time to enjoy an impromptu meet up, complete with a blanket, picnic basket, healthy eats, and the great outdoors.
The Independence Community makes it easy for residents to embrace the longer days and Colorado’s picturesque landscapes because of our close proximity to nature. Numerous parks, miles of trails, and unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains offer daily reminders of how close and how necessary nature is to our livelihoods. Contact us today to learn more about our welcoming community.
As Denver, Colorado, continues to grow and expand, Elbert County — situated just east of this bustling metropolis, follows suit. Each year, the towns of Elizabeth, Elbert, and Parker welcome new boutiques, restaurants, and parks. This Mother’s Day, treat your mom, spouse, sister, or friend to a thoughtful gift from a local shop, or take her on a fun excursion around Elbert County. Here’s a simple gift guide that will make the leading lady in your life feel loved and appreciated.
The Embellished Rose
This family-owned florist in Elizabeth, Colorado, is a great place to buy a gorgeous bouquet this Mother’s Day. The talented floral decorators behind The Embellished Rose put a unique spin on each bouquet, making every gift special. They also offer an array of gift shop items that rotate on a routine basis, so there’s always something new to discover.
The Carriage Shoppes Tea Room
Treat your mom to tea at this authentic tea room situated in the heart of Elizabeth. What was once a livery stable has been transformed into a charming tea parlor with a complete tea service. Make a reservation, dress up, and sip Earl Grey out of fancy tea cups, dine on sweet desserts, and swap cherished family memories while making new ones.
Antelope Alpacas LLC
Instead of gifting Mom an item, give an experience she’ll never forget. Antelope Alpacas, located in downtown Elizabeth, is a natural-fiber store that hosts a variety of classes including crochet, spinning, weaving, and fiber preparation. If your mom, wife, sister, or friend is a DIY enthusiast, a class at this shop will be right up her alley.
Small Town Mini Donuts
For the matriarch with a sweet tooth, look no further than Elizabeth’s very own donut shop. Small Town Mini Donuts serves up hot, fresh donuts on a daily basis. Unique varieties make up most of their menu, including donuts drizzled with Nutella, stuffed with peanut butter, or topped with bacon. Bring Mom by for a decadent breakfast or grab a dozen to-go and enjoy them at the park, on the trail, or for extra indulgence points – in bed.
The Naked Goat
Situated in Elbert, Colorado, The Naked Goat Soap Shop & Cafe is a favorite among locals. Known for their natural, farm-fresh products, handmade soaps and personal care items, the crew behind these goods appreciates the value of locally sourced ingredients and small-batch goods. Make your mom a gift basket with Naked Goat products and treat her to lunch at the cafe to support this growing business.
The Independence Community is nestled in the heart of Elizabeth, Colorado, and boasts scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. With easy access to the charming downtown and Colorado’s rugged terrain, Independence is a wonderful place to raise a family, settle into retirement, or simply live more richly, removed from the stress and worry big city life can bring. Contact us to learn more about our welcoming community, lovely town, and spacious homes.
Camping season is almost upon us, which means miles of hiking trails, restful nights under a blanket of stars, and outdoor cooking adventures await! Nothing tastes as good as a meal cooked over a campfire with friends and loved ones, especially after a long day in the great outdoors. Here are a few of our favorite meals to enjoy during your next camping trip.
Campfire Skillet
A campfire skillet scramble can play to your strengths as a chef, and the versatility of a skillet meal can play to most dietary preferences. The best part of this recipe is how inclusive it is of all the ingredients you’d think to pack on a camping trip. Try making this classic recipe if a red potato and bacon scramble sounds tasty, or this one for a maple sausage and sweet potato scramble. Make it easy on yourself while camping by precooking any meats, peppers, or potatoes ahead of time. Crack some farm fresh eggs over top, and voila, you’ll have a hearty, healthy breakfast to get your day started!
Blueberry Cobbler
For hungry campers with a sweet tooth, how about whipping up an easy blueberry cobbler? Fresh or canned berries work great for this camping indulgence. Fortunately, the rest of the ingredients are easily packable and nonperishable. Plenty of campfire blueberry cobbler variations exist, so you can easily search for the perfect recipe to fit your needs. We like this pre-made biscuit recipe, or try this recipe, which includes vanilla wafers and marshmallows. Serve over a slice of angel food cake with ice cream (if you’re car camping and can swing this luxury), or right out of the pan. It’s that good.
Knock-Off Pad Thai
Instead of a complex authentic Pad Thai dish, this simpler version incorporates a few less, but still delicious, ingredients. This recipe uses tofu and a sauce made from just four simple ingredients. Make it easy on yourself by preparing the sauce ahead of time. We also suggest cutting a few corners by trying this dish, which levels up the protein with peanut butter. To add a pop of color and a little crunch, chop up fresh cilantro and peanuts to sprinkle over the top of each bowl before serving your hungry fellow campers.
Southwestern Gnocchi
Unlike other pastas, gnocchi doesn’t take nearly as long to cook, which means you’ll use less fuel and water. Just pop these doughy potato pillows into a pot of boiling water and wait until they float. This recipe instructs campers to toss the gnocchi into pre-prepared foil packets complete with cheese, corn, and tomatoes that are then heated over the campfire. For Italian style pasta, pesto and sundried tomatoes are the way to go. Want to skip the waste and hassle of a foil packet? Simply toss cooked gnocchi into your skillet to crisp up while adding ingredients from whichever recipe you choose.
Beer Brats & Peppers
Nothing is simpler than this classic campfire recipe. Cut peppers and onions before hitting the trail and freeze brats to extend their shelf-life. Heat up a skillet over the campfire or a pan over your camp stove and brown up pre-cooked brats while the peppers and onions caramelize – no recipe needed. Serve on a bun with spicy mustard.
Cinnamon Apple Pie
Apple-based recipes are always a hit because they deliver a boost of freshness that is much needed after days spent on trail or in the backcountry. Plus, apples are easy to pack and stay fresh longer than most fruits. There are numerous apple pie recipes that incorporate the classic ingredients, but this one may be the best bang for your buck. If you’re car camping or celebrating a special occasion with a night under the stars, level up your apple pie dessert with this dutch oven recipe.
Your campsite comrades will thank you for whipping up any of these delicious and impressive dinners or desserts. Folks back at home will appreciate these treats, as well!
Independence Community is located just a stone’s throw from the footsteps of the Rocky Mountains, with miles and miles of hiking trails and campsites where you can enjoy these classics. Contact us to learn more about our community and available homes.
Looking forward to the warmer, longer days of springtime? We’re excited about this beautiful season, which is especially breathtaking in Colorado. If you’re on the search for activities to enjoy during this mild and sunny time of year, there’s plenty to do in and around Elbert County! The options we share here are convenient to the Independence Community, so you can soak up the experiences without traveling too far from home.
Meander Along the Casey Jones Park Trail
What’s better than a great springtime hike here in Colorado? If you want to stay local to Elizabeth, Casey Jones Park is your go-to destination for all things outdoors. This park has been a mainstay in Elizabeth since the early 1900s, and now serves as a beloved community landmark. The expansive open space features a playground, baseball fields, disc golf, and a trail with serene views. If you’d like to walk the 1.3-mile trail, you can access it by parking near the north end of the baseball fields.
Visit Indigo Blooms Botanicals
Indigo Blooms Botanicals operates right here in Elizabeth. This lavender farm uses its home-grown ingredients to create organic skin care products (which make great gifts!) and is just a 15 minute drive from Independence. This venue occasionally hosts open farm days, classes, and other special events, so watch the Facebook page for updates!
Explore Castlewood Canyon State Park
Located nearby in Franktown, Castlewood Canyon State Park makes for an awesome day trip, and there are plenty of unique sights to enjoy on your journey. Castlewood Canyon is best known for the remains of the Castlewood Canyon Dam, which burst and flooded Denver in 1933. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or both, this state park is a must-see.
Explore the Local Gift Shops
Elizabeth and the surrounding towns may be small, but that’s part of their charm! There are wonderful local businesses in Elbert County, and we love spending the day checking out the gift shops. Whether you’re looking for artisan ice cream, incredible antiques, or customized laser engraving and embroidery, you’ll find it all here. Just stroll along Main Street or hop over to the neighboring town of Kiowa to uncover gems you won’t find anywhere else.
With springtime on the horizon, the ideas highlighted here will help you make the most of the season without having to go too far from home. If you desire the tranquility of small-town living with close proximity to outdoor activities and local shopping, you’ll love the Independence Community. Our conservation community in Elizabeth, Colorado combines nature with history, along with stunning new homes that are sustainably designed by top builders. If you’d like to learn more about available homes, please contact our team.
It’s no secret that Colorado’s Front Range communities are highly sought after places to live. When new communities are created, there’s an obvious need for additional homes, neighborhoods, and roads, but how about preserving the past? Fortunately, at Independence we value history and treasure the legacies left behind by those who came before us. That’s why we’ve gone to great lengths to honor our original homesteaders by preserving the land’s original historic structures, and integrating them into usable amenities within our modern community.
History, First
Prior to the arrival of settlers to the area, Ute, Arapaho, and Southern Cheyenne Native American tribes called the Great Plains in this area home. These tribes were nomadic, living in collaboration with the living ecosystem – including buffalo, elk, and deer – so both could survive and thrive.
As the settler colonialism mindset continued to drive people west, the county of Elbert became the cross-roads of many crucial railroad tracks, including the Colorado and Southern, Denver and New Orleans, and Rock Island. Because the Native populations were such knowledgeable stewards of the land and soil was extremely fertile, modern farming in this area exploded. This gave way to logging, dairy production, a saw mill, and more throughout the handful of towns that make up Elbert County.
Preservation, Second
Elbert County is home to numerous historic structures that were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The group behind Independence in Elizabeth, Colorado, wanted to acknowledge and incorporate the rich histories of the land, while continuing to protect large swaths of land from development. Some structures are in states of disrepair. However, others can be restored, preserved, and utilized.
In an effort to promote the heritage of Elbert County, Independence has preserved and restored several century-old structures located within the community. Additionally, many artifacts found within these buildings have been restored to their original appearance. The History Quest, a local company that specializes in genealogy, history, and restoration has saved and restored numerous artifacts and plans to display them in a local coffee shop, once open, and in preserved structures.
Independence has also preserved its three iconic windmills as a testament to innovation and collaboration with the natural world. The Farmhouse Victorian and its barn, complete with a vintage American flag painted on its side, are currently under renovation with the Victorian, set to be a coffee shop. License plates from the first 76 home buyers have also been mounted on the side of the historic barn as a testament to the year Americans signed the Declaration of Independence: 1776.
Going Beyond
In addition to preserving the old, Independence is committed to creating new spaces that allow all living residents within the neighborhood to thrive. Wildlife corridors, existing wetlands, and natural habitats have all been restored. In partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion, Independence is also creating a Pollinator District to ensure that pollinator diversity and abundance increases in Independence’s main community center – Homestead Park.
Denver Urban Gardens and Independence Community are also creating community gardens that will enable volunteer resident gardeners to build upon their current gardening skills, promote natural beauty, and foster healthy food sources this spring/summer. Water-wise techniques will be implemented throughout to ensure this dryer environment can make the most out of its water sources.
It’s an effort to preserve historical structures while also creating new, healthy spaces for people, plants and animals to thrive. The Independence Community in Elizabeth, Colorado is committed to utilizing our resources to preserve what came before, and to preserve what’s to come, so future generations can enjoy this beautiful space we call home. Contact us to learn more about our conservation community just outside of Parker, Colorado.